Tonight, more than 30 undergraduates will showcase their final projects as part of the Global Health Capstone Poster Session, the culmination of four years of learning in the classroom and in the field as part of the global health major, program II in global health and global health certificate.
Working in small teams, students researched a real-world problem, consulted with experts in the field and developed a solution. Under the mentorship of Capstone instructors Dennis Clements and Eric Green, teams explored a variety of global health topics, from mHealth and maternal and child health, to chronic disease, mental health and others.
In some cases, students will continue the projects after graduation, with potential implementation in the community with local or international partners.
One team in particular is exploring the use of mobile phones to deliver information about family planning and contraception to Kenyan women. The team designed a text messaging tool that uses GPS technology to connect women with nearby clinics. During the poster presentation, the students run demos so people can call the hotline number, go through the screening process and receive tailored birth control recommendations. Students will translate the information into Swahili this summer.
The Capstone projects span the globe, with another group focused on the treatment of postpartum depression in rural Pakistan. The team is modifying an existing cognitive behavioral therapy intervention used in the area to shorten sessions and provide additional training for community health workers. The students are also using an interactive voice recording system on cell phones so women can talk about their progress in the program rather than write in a diary. Team members will continue to work on the project following graduation.
One team will be selected for its exemplary work during the Global Health Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony on May 9.
The Global Health Capstone Poster Session will be held in Trent Hall Room 040 at 5:30 tonight.
